Who is George, the mini-bus driver?

George was with the lads when they played as the Warren Social D snooker side. And he moved with them to Shirley Cons D.

He drives them to away games and joins the end-of-season social.

Team member Jason Couper said: “He’s been with us since day-one. He even comes on our nights out. We love him to bits.”

A pack of playing cards used to select the now defunct Warren Social D team. And the joker would act as waiter.

John Weeks, 45, signed for Warren aged 17. He explained that the seven players chose from six cards and a joker at the beginning of each season.

“One to five was the team,” he recalled. “Six was reserve and the joker used to run the beer. If one player lost, number six would come in and everyone would move up the ladder.”

Dick Gale, now 71, who signed in the mid 1970s, holds the record for 13 straight wins at number one.

Gale, Weeks, Jason Couper and Mark Bear joined up with Bill Kavanagh at Shirley Cons D in the mid 2000s. Gale is now vice-captain.

“With all the years we were playing snooker, it’s nice that we’ve got a close-knit team,” said Weeks. “It’s been good and I hope there’s going to be a lot more years.”

Cards still play a big part in the lads’ new team.

Kavanagh revealed the team play nine-card brag or chase the ace during away matches.

“We don’t even watch each other,” he said. “You might lose a pound or win two quid. It’s good crack. It keeps us all together.”

But this is all a bit too much for Mark Bear.

“I’m more of a darts player,” he said. “Which is why I’m struggling.”

Teammate and treasurer Bob Steed added: “We try not to be too serious. We like to win and if we’re middle or above in the table we’re quite happy. If we have a bit of a cup run, that’s even better.

“And then when they need me, I’m a back-up player as well – well down the pecking order – but I enjoy it.”

Shaun Baxter was the ‘onion’ in Shirley Cons D’s 4-1 defeat by Atherley Bowling B, formerly Shirley Cons B. The title was originally bestowed on the single loser in a 4-1 win but has been extended to the only winner in a 4-1 defeat. Baxter is also ex-Warren and joined his old teammates at Shirley Cons after the “wilderness years”.

He said: “Because my kids are now a bit older, I’ve got my second wind.”

George was unavailable for comment.

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